Amusement apparatus.



J. A. JoBsoN. AMUSEMENT APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED DBO. 30. 1913.

1 *10942'1 y Patented Sept. 1, 1914.

-2 BHEETSSHBBT l.

@Hoz ms J. A. JOBSON. AMUSBMBNT APPARATUS.

APPLIUATlON ILBD DEU. JU, 1913.

Patented Sept. 1, 1914,

2 SHEETSY SHEET 2 Jhn ji Johann,

@Hoz/11mg o UNTTED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN A. JOBSON, F BHAMOKIN, PENNSYLV-NIA.

museum APPARATUS.

Bpccicatlon of Lettera Patent.

Patented sept. 1, 1914;.

Application Sled December 30, 1913. serial lo. 809,512.

. lowing is a specification.

. My invention relates to improvements in amusement apparatus ordinarily known as merry-gorounds.

An important object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the above mentioned character, which is so constructed that the same is highly safe in use, the operatin elements or arts thereof being arrange under cover or preventing the passengers coming in contact with the sama A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the above mentioned character, which is of simple construction, strong, easy to operate, and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

A further object of the invention is t'o provide apparatus of the above mentioned character, which will be particularl attractive to persons. both young and old? Other objects and advantages of this in v vention Awill be apparent during the course of the following description. v

In the accompanyingr drawings forming a part of this specification and in which like .numerals arc employed to designate like parts throughout-the'same, Figure 1 is a plan view of a complete apparatus embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal sectional view therethrough. Fig; 3 is an enlarged sectional View through a portion of the apparatus. Fig.l 4 is a detail plan View of attaching means embodied in the invention` Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of an operating ring, showing mciins attached thereto for preventing the removal of a coupling element. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of a track, the elements thereof being separated. Fig. 7 is an enlarged transverse sectional view through the rotating ring, showing in elevation, means for holding a bolt against rota` VIn the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 10 difignates a relatively stationary base or foundation as a whole,` which is preferably formed of concrete or other plastic material.

This foundation preferably includes 'ad concentric rings 1.1-, '12, 18 and 14, wl'iilr are connected by horizontal rings or annular supports 15, 16am-l 17. The relatively stationary rings or anrlar supports 15 and 16 are preferably provided with annular recesses 18, receiving therein rotatable annular p latforms or supports 19, which are identical. Each of the annular sup orts or platforms 19 is provided upon its ibwer surface with annular grooves, receiving annular track-casings 20 (see Figs. 3 and '6), which.

are substantially semi-circular in cross-section and preferably arranlged in pairs, as shown. These annular trac -casings are rig idly attached to the annular supports or platforms 19 bys any suitable means. Arrand b elow and in registration with the trac -casings 2O are similar trackcasings 21, which are annular and formed substantially semi-circular in cross-section. These trackc asings 21. are embedded within the .relatively stationary rings or annular supports 15, as shown. The track-casings 2,1 are rigidly attached to the supports 15 by any suitable means.` When'assembled, the trackcasings 20 and 21, form closed tubular annular trackfcasings, within which-are freely rotatably mounted bearing-balls 22, as shown. i

In the 'ordinary r -go-roimdl construction, it has genergiiy been customary to provide a central polefor mast, to which the revoluble part or parts of the apparatus were attached, for preventing `them from.`

being displaced, due tothe action of centrifugal force. This construction has been found to be clumsy and expensive and has failed to operate wholly satisfactorily. Particular attention is culled to the fact that in my construction the central-post or mast is dispensed with, and at the same time means are provided which positively hold the rcvoluble parts of the apparatus against displacement, with the least friction, such means being embodied in the track-casing:v 20 and and bearing-balls contained therein. While it is not essential, I may interpose bearing-balls 22` between platforms 19 and walls of the annular recess 18, as shown. As more clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3, each of the rotatable platforms or supports 19 is provided with a depending annular flange 23, operating within an annular slot 24, as

shown. Attached to the depending annular asA Each sprocket wheel 30 is driven by a rota-V 1.-

table horizontal drive shaft 31. As clearly vshown in Fig. 2, the drive shafts 'lare dia- .metrically oppositely arranged.

The drive shafts 31 have bevel gears 32 I rigidly connected with their inner ends, en-

:gaging with and driven by a com mon bevel ar 33, which is driven byfa motor 34,

.,which in the present instance in shown as an internal 'combustion engine, While a steam engine, electric motor, or any'other source .,.of power may be advantageously employed.

In, this connection particular attention is called to the fact that the motor 34 is arranged within the innermost ring 11, the .drive shafts 31 and associated elements being al1 arranged wholly` below the relatively' 4stationary supports or rings 15, 16 and 17, whereby su'ch driving or operating elements are always under cover thus preventing thev ,passengers from coming in contact there-.

with, and, a highly safe apparatus is 'ob, ained. The space within the ring 11 mayv Ypreferablyrbe closed by ya oovseror top 35,.

having a door 36, adjacent whichjs arranged; steps 37, whereby/the operatormay have proper accessl to the. engine or motor. y .Arranged upon the outermost relatively,l stationary annular support or ring 17 a `relatively .stationary annular support .or platform 38,' lattached thereto by any'suitable means, the same being mountedwithin an, annular recess 30 and held thereby.' against perceptible lateral movement. s Mounted to travel upon the relatively sta. tionary annular support or platform 38 are1 a suitable number of automobiles 89 which may be of-anywell known or 'preferred type,. ,except that their inner vwheels 40 are con-l Structed slightly smaller than the outer wheels, to compensate in the difference of .distance that the inner and outer sets of wheels haveto travel. The bodies of the automobiles are horizontal. The stationary annular support or ring 17 is provided with -an annularslot 42, receiving upstandingI coupling. elements43 in the form of bolts. I preferably employ two ofthese bolts for each automobile, the same being connected with the front and rear axles of the autos mobile. Asclearly shown in Fig. 4, each -axle' 44 vhas a` strap or hasp 44, hinged thereto as shown at 45, the same having its material between the ends thereof bent out. 'wardly, providinga vertical pocket 46,`re' ceving the upper portion` of the bolt 43. At its free end-the strepor hasp '44 is apertured 55 to' extend-imp n`f`orked apertured element 'ring 48 by means of 'screws or bolts.

47' suitably attached to the axle, such ele.- ments being preferably connected by a padlocl 4S. 4()tlrer's1iitable means may be employed Afor connecting the bolt with the axle. This `construction however is' particularly advantageous, inasmuch as it prevents the in1proper-disconnection of the boltsrom the automobile` arles and also enables the same to be quickly disconnected by the proper person. Attention is called tothe ,factthat the automobile is capableof partiking of restricted vertical movements with relation to the bolts 43, as shown in Fig. 2, thus allowing the same to passo-ver certain obstructions, such as a coator the like, which not infrequently fall upon the track by fu!- cident or carelessness' of the passengers in the automobiles Arranged below.;the stationary annular platform or sup ort v38 is un operating ring 48, disposed within an annular slot/lil. The ring 48 is driven by an annular rack-bert), providedwith bevel gear teeth, engaged by bevel gears 5l, rigidly mounted upon `the outer ends of .the drive shafts 3l, as shown.. Particular attention is called to the fact that the operating ring 48 is arranged whollv below. the relatively stationary track or support 38, whereby it is impossible for the passengers to come in Contact with the operating ring, thus climi nating the possibilitv of accidents.

The bolts 43, as clearlyv shown rin Fig. l. pass through 'openings 52' formed {.roegh the operating ring 48. Upon its lower side, this operating ring is provided with recesses 53, receiving nuts 454, and holding them against turning movement. The annular rack-bar' 50 engages the nuts 'and the same vis preferably connected Withthe' operatiiig Tilt? bolts 48 are turned or 'screwed up to the desired position, the same having their upper portion 55 formed square in cross- Scction, wherebyA such .bolts may be held against further turning movement bv forked holding elements 56, attached to the ring 48 by means of screws or bolts 57, subsequently to the proper manipulation of the bolts, as above stated. The. slot 42 is made suifl ciently la rge to receive the heads of `the bolts, whereby the annular plat-form or supportf38 may be placed in its operative position, sulv :lseoluently to the proper manipulation of the )0 ts i3. i v

As above stated the automobiles `39'travel or move longitudinell)y of the relatively stationary platform or support 38, While' the o uter rotatable platform or support 19 carrles horses `5S, stationary with relation thereto.' The inner track 19' maybe provided with chairs, swings, seats or the like.

" In order to produce the effect, that the automobiles' are traveling faster than the horses, 'Ifhave rlngligeared ,with the drivel.

shafts'lgiso `that-"1t willi 'rotatef fasten than either of thel platforms or supports .19. Attention is called to the fact that the movalle and stationary platforms or su ports 19 ....d 38 are arranged in stepped re ation, increasing in height inwardly, the exact distance of one step above the other, however, being immaterial.

1n the operation of the ap aratus, the engine 34 is started, (which s ould be of a construction that may be' readily started and stopped or there may be suitable clutch means for controlling the rotation of the drive shafts 3l by it), wherebv the drive shafts 31 are rotated. These drive shafts, throughthe medium of bevel gears 51, and rack-bar 50, rotate the ring 48, which through the medium of the coupling elements 43 cause the automobiles to travel longitudinally of the relatively stationary platforms or support 38. The rotation of the drive shafts 3l are transmitted to the shafts 27, which drive the rotatable supports of platforms 19. The horses or the like carried by these supports or platforms are bodily rotated therewith.

lt is to be understood that the form of my invention herewith shown and described isto be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, 'size and arrangements of parts may be resorted to Without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having described my claim 1. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a relatively stationary substantiall circular support provided with an annu ar slot, of an automobile mounted to travel upon the relatively stationary support, an -operating ring arranged wholly below the relatively stati on ary support and adjacent the annular slot, coupling means between the automobile and operating ring, and means to drive the operating ring.

2. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a relatively stationary support provided with a substantially annuar slot, of an automobile mounted to travel upon the relatively stationary support, an operating ring arranged Whollly below the relatively stationary support at jacent the annular slot, a bolt connected with the axle of the automobile and with the operating ring, means connected with the operating ring for positively prevent ing the rotation of the bolt with relation thereto, and means to rotate the operating ring.

3. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a relatively stationary support provided with a substantially annular slot, of a vehicle mounted upon the relatively station-.try support to invention, I

travel thereon in proximity to the annular slot, an operating ring arranged below the relatively stationary support and adjacent the annular slot, operative connections be-v tween the vehicle and operating rin and means to drive the operating ring, su antially as described.

4. In apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination with a relatively stationary support including a plurality of hollow sup orting-members having their upper close walls provided with substantially annular slots, annular fears arranged withinthe hollow supporting-members and disposed near the annular slots thereof, vehicles arranged upon the supporting-members, connecting means between the annular gears and the'vehicles and passing through the annular slots, a common driving shaft passing through the lower portion of the hollow supporting-members, gearing connecting the common driving shaft with the annular gears, and means to rotate the common driving shaft.

5. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a relatively stationary support including a plurality of stepped concentric hollow su porting-members having their upper sides closed by walls provided with substantially annular slots, a common driving shaft journaled through the lower portions of the hollow supporting-members, annular gears arranged within the hollow supporting-members adjacent the substantially annular. slots thereof, a gear connected with the outer end of the common driving shaft and engaging the annular gear within the outermost hollow supportingmember, shafts arranged above the common driving shaft and journaled within the upper portions of the inner supportingmembers, gears carried by the said shafts and engaging the annular gears within the inner supporting-members, driving connecting means between the common driving shaft and said shafts, and means to rotate the common driving shaft.

G. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a relatively stationary support including a plurality of stepped concentric hollow supporting-members havin their upper sides closed by walls provided with substantially annular slots, the innermost hollow supporting-member forming a chamber to receive a motor, of a motor arranged within the chamber, means to cover the chamber, a common driving shaft journaled through the lower portions of the hollow supporting-members, annular gears arranged within the hollow supporting-members adjacent the substan tially annular slots thereof, shafts journaled within the upper portions of the hollow supporting-members above the common driving shaft, gears carried by said shafts and enil :,mm

gag'ing the ammlar gears, driving commet- I III-testimon whereof I mit my sigmlure mg means between the hconmonhdxl'iving in presence o two witnesses. shafft and each of .Quid s a ts, ve ic es to Y y y travel above the sup'pmting-Iembem mm JOIN A' JOBSU` 6 cnmcfing the annular gears with the vei- 'Witnesseu hielen; and means cmmectng the common (bonen Enumm, Sr., driving shaft with the motor. M. Ot FARRDW. 

